The Russian fighter who boxing judges deemed to have beaten Michael Conlan in Rio could miss his semi-final according to a report tonight.
Vladimir Nikitin was controversially awarded the decision against Team Ireland's Conlan in the bantamweight quarter-final bout on Tuesday.
The Russian is due to face Team USA's Shakur Stevenson in the semi-final on Thursday.
Here's a scoop. US Head coach Billy Walsh says Shakur Stevenson advances on W/o tomorrow. Nikitin's face a mess after Conlan @StiffJab
— sarahdeming (@sarahdeming) August 17, 2016
But Team USA coach and ex-head coach of Ireland's High Performance unit Billy Walsh told StiffJab.com that Nikitin is pulling out of the semi because "his face was a mess" according to Russian coaches, following the controversial Conlon fight.
However, there is no official confirmation as outlined by The Associated Press' Greg Beacham:
AIBA says Vladimir Nikitin has NOT told them he'll withdraw from his bout with Shakur Stevenson. The AM weigh-in is when he has to decide.
— Greg Beacham (@gregbeacham) August 17, 2016
Doesn't mean Vladimir Nikitin can fight or plans to fight. Just means AIBA hasn't been told he won't fight & hasn't ruled him out medically.
— Greg Beacham (@gregbeacham) August 17, 2016
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